When training gets tough—and it will—having a clear sense of why you're doing this can be the key to pushing through. Whether you’re working towards a marathon, a 10K, or a trail ultra, reconnecting with your deeper motivation helps you stay committed when the road feels long.

As a running coach in Bristol, I’ve seen how powerful it is when runners dig into their real reasons for training. It’s not just about the race itself—it’s about what the race represents to you.

The 5 Whys Technique: Finding Your Core Motivation

The “5 Whys” technique is a simple but powerful self-reflection tool that helps you uncover the real reason behind your goal. Originally developed in the world of problem-solving, it’s now widely used in personal development to get to the root of motivation.

Used to explore the root cause of a particular issue, we explore by asking "why" questions five times. Here's how it might look when applied to understanding why someone wants to run a marathon:

Here’s how it works:

1️⃣ Why do you want to run this race?
➡️ I want to challenge myself.

2️⃣ Why do you want to challenge yourself?
➡️ I feel like I haven’t pushed my limits in a while.

3️⃣ Why haven’t you pushed your limits?
➡️ I’ve been stuck in a routine and want to break out of it.

4️⃣ Why do you want to break out of your routine?
➡️ I want to feel more accomplished and motivated.

5️⃣ Why do you want to feel more accomplished and motivated?
➡️ Because I believe it will boost my confidence and overall happiness.

The result? This person’s real “why” isn’t just about running—it’s about personal fulfilment, confidence, and breaking free from a rut.

How to Use This Exercise

Take 10–15 minutes of quiet time and write out your own 5 Whys. Keep digging deeper until you reach something meaningful and personal. You’ll know when you’ve found it.

💡 Tip: Revisit your 5 Whys during tough training weeks or when race-day nerves hit. That deeper purpose can be your anchor.

Why This Matters for Your Training

Running is as much a mental game as it is physical. Knowing your “why”:

✅ Keeps you motivated through setbacks
✅ Helps you prioritise your training
✅ Strengthens your mental resilience on race day - remember this when it gets tough!
✅ Connects your goal to something meaningful

Coaching That Helps You Go Deeper

As a coach, I don’t just provide running plans—I help you connect your training to your values, lifestyle, and long-term goals. Understanding your ‘why’ is a key part of how we work together to build a training journey that’s not just effective—but fulfilling.

🏃‍♂️ Want to start training with purpose? Get in touch today and let’s uncover what drives you.

Knowing your ‘why’ gives your training direction, meaning, and motivation. Dig deep, reflect honestly, and carry that purpose with you every step of the way.